Question

The standard length of human pregnancy is often quoted to be 40 weeks (9 months). However, the average time between fertilization and birth is only 38 weeks.

a.true
b.false

Answer 1

The statement is true. The standard length of human pregnancy is often quoted as 40 weeks, but the average time between fertilization and birth is about 38 weeks.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement is true.

A full-term pregnancy typically lasts 40 weeks from the first day of the last menstrual period (LMP). However, the average time between fertilization and birth is about 38 weeks. The difference between the two is due to the fact that it is easier to remember the LMP than to estimate the exact date of conception. Obstetricians set the due date as 40 weeks from the LMP for convenience, assuming conception occurred on day 14 of the menstrual cycle.